Do you know who you are and what are your gifts? These qualities that are consistent yet flexible will support your recognition as a TD. This existential question is key to growing your “image roots” that stems from your integrity, on doing what you say and saying what you do. When you plan your work and then working the plan with integrity all is well. Failures become opportunities rather than an old emotion trigger. Everyman has played the game of snakes and ladders in love and business. This by the way is a way to break the ice with would be comrades or customers. Admitting your failures to yourself is a sign of success that will put you ahead of the next TD in the long run.
Creating sartorial value in a vacuum equals talent to connect. Whereas supplying an existing market at the right time takes persistence and work. The more we try the closer we get to that 10,000hr tipping point that Malcom Gladwell is famous for. Having a niche market like a 21st C “bespoke fit ” tailoring designer of wardrobes can grow into a highly specialized community of the tailors of the well to do. forget about designer names. It’s for consumers of the past. Tailored garments take knowing their client in an expert way. We know now that what most people call tailors are actually alterationist. They never cut suits like I have. If they did, they would have their own business at $5000 per suit as is common. It’s just a lot of work to compete with a high-tech factory of specialized machines with specialized workers. As a Tailoring designer you will be the specialized cutter! Be honest what you don’t know, and you will learn it. This what makes great men. Your life and legacy will best be remembered fondly as their suits still fit after years. By that time, they will be paying even more off the rack to replace it. Much will never be replaced, specifically the joy we bring them after years of trial and error with tailors and on their calorie choices. Learn what you can for each client rather and be honest what you don’t know yet.
Build clientele with agreed reasonable prices and honest relationships. You must differentiate yourself by.
1) offer the difference you will make
2) by knowing what suspects and prospects feelings
3) by confirming this with them over time
4) by your character and generosity,
5) Being known for a community service other than profit.
As a budding tailoring designer, openness and honesty will prompt reflection to sculpt your character. With some integrity this initiates your best relationships. You are not just a salesman, but are self-employed designer for bespoke fit mens clothing to Suitstyler. Your special skills for designer measurements are your forte. You are more likely to be top of your prospects minds when they see their fitting issues that you maintained is their tailors problem not their change of weight.
It’s important to always act with integrity in your relationships, to be, friendly, loyal even compassionate as perhaps they have paid too much and gotten less. The hardest and most valuable thing as a competitor to their previous supplier is to gain trust.
